Resealable conduit for facilitating electrical property measurement within traction battery pack

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a resealable conduit for facilitating electrical property measurement within a traction battery pack. A resealable conduit for use within a traction battery pack is provided. One or more resealable conduits may be arranged such that a first portion of each conduit extends inside a housing assembly of the traction battery pack and a second portion of each conduit extends outside the housing assembly. Each guide tube may be sized and shaped to direct a measurement probe of a test device directly to a high voltage measurement point located inside the traction battery pack. One or more electrical properties associated with the traction battery pack may then be measured with the test device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to traction battery packs and, more particularly, to a resealable conduit for facilitating measurement of one or more electrical properties associated with a traction battery pack. Background Art

[0002] An electrified vehicle includes a traction battery pack for powering the vehicle's electric motor and other electrical loads. The traction battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells and various other battery internal components that support electric vehicle propulsion. Summary of the invention

[0003] A traction battery pack according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, a housing assembly that establishes an interior region; a battery array that is housed within the interior region; and a resealable conduit that includes a first portion extending from within the housing assembly to a location within the interior region proximate the battery array and a second portion extending from outside the housing assembly.

[0004] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing traction battery pack, the resealable conduit extends through a wall of the housing assembly.

[0005] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the wall is part of a housing cover or a housing tray of the housing assembly.

[0006] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction batteries, the resealable conduit is comprised of a non-conductive material.

[0007] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction batteries, the non-conductive material comprises a polymer material.

[0008] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction batteries, the polymer material is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0009] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, an end portion of the first portion is positioned proximate to a high voltage measurement point of the battery array.

[0010] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the high voltage measurement point is a high voltage terminal of the battery array.

[0011] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction batteries, the tubular body of the resealable conduit includes at least one bend.

[0012] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the resealable conduit includes an inner lumen sized and shaped to receive a measurement probe.

[0013] A traction battery pack according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia: a housing assembly; a battery system housed inside the housing assembly; and a resealable conduit configured to guide a measurement probe to a high-voltage measurement point of the battery system.

[0014] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing traction battery pack, the resealable conduit includes a first portion extending within the interior of the housing assembly and a second portion extending outside of the housing assembly.

[0015] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction batteries, the first portion includes an end portion positioned to contact the high voltage measurement point.

[0016] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the first portion includes an end portion positioned proximate to the high voltage measurement point.

[0017] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction batteries, the second portion includes a resealable end portion.

[0018] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the high voltage measurement point is a high voltage terminal of a battery array of the battery system.

[0019] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction battery packs, the resealable conduit includes an inner lumen sized and shaped to receive the measurement probe.

[0020] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction batteries, the measurement probe is operably connected to a testing device.

[0021] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction batteries, the tubular body of the resealable conduit is made of a non-conductive material.

[0022] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing traction batteries, the non-conductive material includes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0023] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings (including any of their various aspects or corresponding individual features) may be adopted independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

[0024] The various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 An electrified vehicle is schematically shown.

[0026] Figure 2 Selected portions of a traction battery pack including a resealable conduit are shown.

[0027] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the insertion of the measuring probe of the test device through the Figure 2 Resealable catheter.

[0028] Figure 4 Another traction battery pack including a resealable conduit is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 A method for measuring one or more electrical properties associated with a traction battery pack is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present disclosure details a resealable conduit for use within a traction battery pack. One or more resealable conduits may be arranged such that a first portion of each conduit extends inside a housing assembly of the traction battery pack and a second portion of each conduit extends outside of the housing assembly. Each guide tube may be sized and shaped to direct a measurement probe of a test device directly to a high voltage measurement point located inside the traction battery pack. The test device may then be utilized to measure one or more electrical properties associated with the traction battery pack. These and other features are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs of this detailed description.

[0031] Figure 1An electrified vehicle 10 is schematically shown. The electrified vehicle 10 may include any type of electrified powertrain. In an embodiment, the electrified vehicle 10 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). However, the concepts described herein are not limited to BEVs and may be extended to other electrified vehicles, including but not limited to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), fuel cell vehicles, and the like. Therefore, although not specifically shown in the exemplary embodiment, the powertrain of the electrified vehicle 10 may be equipped with an internal combustion engine, which may be employed alone or in combination with other power sources to propel the electrified vehicle 10.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrified vehicle 10 is depicted as an automobile. However, the electrified vehicle 10 may alternatively be a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a van, a pickup truck, or any other vehicle configuration. Although specific component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, the drawings are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The placement and orientation of the various components of the electrified vehicle 10 are schematically shown and may vary within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the various drawings attached to the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to emphasize certain details of a particular component or system.

[0033] In an embodiment, the electrified vehicle 10 is a pure electric vehicle that is propelled solely by electricity, such as by one or more electric machines 12, without any assistance from an internal combustion engine. The electric machines 12 may operate as electric motors, generators, or both. The electric machines 12 receive electricity and may convert the electricity into torque for driving one or more wheels 14 of the electrified vehicle 10.

[0034] Voltage bus 16 may electrically couple electric machine 12 to traction battery pack 18. Traction battery pack 18 is an exemplary electrified vehicle battery. Traction battery pack 18 may be a high voltage traction battery pack assembly that includes a plurality of battery cells capable of outputting electrical power to power electric machine 12 and / or other electrical loads of electrified vehicle 10. Other types of energy storage devices and / or output devices may alternatively or additionally be used to power electrified vehicle 10.

[0035] The traction battery pack 18 may be secured to an underbody 20 of the electrified vehicle 10 . However, the traction battery pack 18 may be located elsewhere on the electrified vehicle 10 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] Reference now Figure 2, the traction battery pack 18 may include a battery system 22 housed within an interior area 30 of a housing assembly 24. The housing assembly 24 of the traction battery pack 18 may include a housing cover 26 (shown in phantom) and a housing tray 28. The housing cover 26 may be fastened (e.g., bolted, welded, adhered, etc.) to the housing tray 28 to provide an interior area 30 for housing the battery system 22.

[0037] The battery system 22 may include one or more battery arrays 32 (e.g., groups of battery cells 34) arranged within the interior area 30. Once electrically coupled, the battery cells 34 of the battery arrays 32 may supply power to power various components of the electrified vehicle 10. Although four battery arrays 32 are schematically shown, the battery system 22 may include a greater or lesser number of battery arrays 32 within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the total number of battery cells 34 included as part of the battery system 22 is not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0038] In an embodiment, the battery cell 34 is a prismatic lithium-ion battery cell. However, within the scope of the present disclosure, battery cells having other geometries (cylindrical, pouch, etc.) and / or chemistries (nickel-metal hydride, lead acid, etc.) may alternatively be utilized.

[0039] The channel 36 may extend along the center of the housing tray 28. The channel 36 may extend between the end plates 38 of adjacent battery arrays 32 of the battery system 22. In an embodiment, the channel 36 extends along the central longitudinal axis A of the housing tray 28 such that the centerline axis A bisects the channel 36. However, other configurations are also contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] The battery system 22 may additionally include a plurality of electrical components that establish an electrical assembly of the battery system 22. The electrical components may include, but are not limited to, a bus electrical center (BEC) 40 and an electrical distribution system (EDS) 42 that includes one or more wiring harnesses 44. Among other functions, the wiring harnesses 44 may electrically connect the battery arrays 32 to the BEC 40 for monitoring the health of the battery cells 34 of each battery array 32. At least a portion of the wiring harnesses 44 may be routed within the channel 36.

[0041] For example, the traction battery pack 18 may require testing periodically, such as to measure an isolation or fuse open condition. Such testing may need to be performed when the high voltage output of the traction battery pack has been shut down (e.g., such as by a contactor system). In addition, it may be desirable to perform such testing without removing the housing cover 26 from the housing tray 28. Therefore, the traction battery pack 18 may include one or more resealable conduits 46 designed to guide test instruments to a desired high voltage measurement point 48 inside the traction battery pack 18 in order to measure one or more electrical properties associated with the battery system 22 (e.g., voltage, resistance, current, etc.).

[0042] Reference now Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the resealable conduit 46 may include a tubular body 50 having a first portion 52 extending inside the interior region 30 of the housing assembly 24 and a second portion 54 extending to a location outside the housing assembly 24. Thus, the second portion 54 is outside the interior region 30.

[0043] The tubular body 50 is insertable through an opening 56 formed through a wall 58 of the housing assembly 24. In an embodiment, the wall 58 is a portion of the housing tray 28 (see Figure 2 In another embodiment, the wall 58 is part of the housing cover 26 (see Figure 4 The tubular body 50 may be sealed relative to the wall 58 in order to maintain the sealing integrity of the housing assembly 24 of the traction battery pack 18 .

[0044] The resealable conduit 46 may be arranged such that the end portion 60 of the first portion 52 of the tubular body 50 is in abutting contact with or positioned in close proximity to the high voltage measurement point 48. In an embodiment, the high voltage measurement point 48 is a high voltage terminal (either a positive terminal or a negative terminal) associated with one of the battery arrays 32 of the battery system 22. However, other configurations are possible, and thus the high voltage measurement point 48 may be part of any component inside the housing assembly 24 that is always live.

[0045] The resealable conduit 46 can be made of a flexible non-conductive material. Thus, portions of the tubular body 50 can be bent or curved to position the end portion 60 at the high pressure measurement point 48. In an embodiment, the flexible non-conductive material of the resealable conduit 46 includes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). However, other polymer materials may be used alternatively or additionally to construct the resealable conduit 46.

[0046] The measuring probe 62 can be inserted through the lumen 64 of the tubular body 50 of the resealable catheter 46. The measuring probe 62 can be configured as a thin metal wire. The measuring probe 62 can be constructed of, for example, brass or stainless steel. The measuring probe 62 can be operably connected to a testing device 68. In an embodiment, the testing device 68 is a multimeter. However, within the scope of the present disclosure, other types of measuring devices may be utilized.

[0047] The size and shape of the inner cavity 64 can be designed to guide the measurement probe 62 directly to the high voltage measurement point 48. The tubular body 50 can include one or more bends 99 for guiding the measurement probe 62 around one or more of the internal components of the traction battery pack 18. The measurement probe 62 can optionally include a magnet 66 for ensuring positive contact with the high voltage measurement point 48. Once positive contact between the measurement probe 62 and the high voltage measurement point 48 has been achieved, the test device 68 can be operated to measure one or more electrical properties associated with the battery system 22 (e.g., voltage, resistance, current, etc.).

[0048] After measuring one or more desired electrical properties via the measurement probe 62 of the test device 68, the end portion 70 of the second portion 54 of the sealed tubular body 50 may be sealed. The end portion 70 may be sealed using a sealant, heat staking, quick connect, or the like.

[0049] Continue to refer Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 5 A method 100 for measuring one or more electrical properties of the battery system 22 of the traction battery pack 18 is schematically illustrated. The method 100 may include a greater or lesser number of steps than those recited below, and the exact order of the steps is not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0050] First, at block 102, the end portion 70 of the second portion 54 of the tubular body 50 of the resealable catheter 46 may be opened to remove the seal and gain access to the lumen 64. The end portion 70 may be opened via cutting or any other suitable technique.

[0051] Next, at box 104, the measurement probe 62 may be inserted and passed through the lumen 64 until contacting the high voltage measurement point 48. With the measurement probe 62 properly inserted, at box 106, the test device 68 may be used to measure one or more electrical properties associated with the battery system 22. Then, at box 108, the measurement probe 62 may be removed from the resealable conduit 46. Finally, at box 110, the end portion 70 of the second portion 54 of the tubular body 50 may be resealed to maintain the water tightness of the housing assembly 24 of the traction battery pack 18.

[0052] An exemplary traction battery pack of the present disclosure includes one or more resealable conduits for directing a measurement probe to a desired internal location of the battery pack, thereby allowing electrical property measurements to be made without removing the housing cover. The conduits allow measurements to be made even during conditions where all high voltage outputs of the traction battery pack have been shut down.

[0053] Although different non-limiting embodiments are shown as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these specific combinations. Some components or features from any one of the non-limiting embodiments may be used in combination with features or components from any one of the other non-limiting embodiments.

[0054] It should be understood that like reference numerals designate corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings.It should be understood that although particular component arrangements are disclosed and shown in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements may benefit from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0055] The above description should be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain modifications may occur within the scope of the present disclosure. For these reasons, the attached claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A traction battery pack, comprising: a housing assembly establishing an interior region; a battery array housed within the interior region; as well as A resealable conduit includes a first portion extending within the housing assembly to a location within the interior region proximate the battery array and a second portion extending outside the housing assembly.

2. The traction battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the resealable conduit extends through a wall of the housing assembly, and optionally wherein the wall is part of a housing cover or housing tray of the housing assembly.

3. A traction battery pack as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the resealable conduit is constructed of a non-conductive material.

4. The traction battery pack of claim 3, wherein the non-conductive material comprises a polymer material.

5. The traction battery pack of claim 4, wherein the polymer material is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

6. A traction battery pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an end portion of the first portion is located proximate a high voltage measurement point of the battery array, and optionally wherein the high voltage measurement point is a high voltage terminal of the battery array.

7. A traction battery pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tubular body of the resealable conduit includes at least one bend.

8. A traction battery pack as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the resealable conduit includes an internal lumen sized and shaped to receive a measurement probe.

9. A traction battery pack, comprising: Housing assembly; a battery system housed within the housing assembly and including a high voltage measurement point; as well as A resealable conduit is configured to guide a measurement probe to the high pressure measurement point.

10. The traction battery pack of claim 9, wherein the resealable conduit includes a first portion extending inside the housing assembly and a second portion extending outside the housing assembly.

11. The traction battery pack of claim 10, wherein the first portion includes an end portion positioned to contact the high voltage measurement point, and the second portion includes a resealable end portion.

12. The traction battery pack of claim 10, wherein the first portion includes an end portion positioned proximate to the high voltage measurement point.

13. The traction battery pack of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the high voltage measurement point is a high voltage terminal of a battery array of the battery system.

14. A traction battery pack as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the resealable conduit includes an internal lumen sized and shaped to receive the measurement probe, and optionally wherein the measurement probe is operably connected to a testing device.

15. The traction battery pack of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the tubular body of the resealable conduit is constructed of a non-conductive material, and optionally wherein the non-conductive material comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

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